Hardware Recommendations for 2017

The New Year is coming! And that means new computers. Don't know what kind of computer to buy for optimal AutoCAD performance? We're here to help. Our tech support team often hears from concerned clients who are confused about hardware – graphics cards, hard drive, processor, RAM, and more. AutoCAD has specific requirements for computers, and we can help untangle those requirements for you. Join us on Friday to answer all your computer questions and, in the process, learn more about how Land F/X and AutoCAD work together.

Note: The following catalog of content covered in this webinar is time stamped to allow you to follow along or skip to sections of the video that are relevant to your questions. You can also search for content on this page using the FIND command in your browser (CTRL + F in Windows, Command + F in Mac OS.)

Intro/TOC

Land F/X Technology Quick Explainer

Land F/X Technology Overview

Components of Land f/X

Standard Land F/X Small-Office Setup

Optional Land F/X Cloud Setup

Why Upgrade Hardware/Budget/How Often

Business Budgeting 101

Ideal Office Setup

Typical Land F/X Small-Office Equipment

Our Office Equipment

Key Hardware Components

Operating Systems

Hardware Recommendations

Laptops

Desktops

Apple

Peripherals

Monitors

More Peripherals

Travel Much?

Backup Concepts

3-2-1 Backup Concept

Our Backup Configuration

Security

Security Tips

Our Technical Support Team

0:00 – 2:00: Intro/TOC

2:01: – 12:19: Land F/X Technology Quick Explainer

Land F/X Technology Overview (2:30):

Land F/X is a plugin for AutoCAD.

F/X CAD is AutoCAD.

F/X CAD requires a Land F/X license to operate.

Land F/X projects and Project Managers are populated from a database – not the DWG files.

Components of Land F/X (3:30):

Land F/X essentially consists of three components:

Database

LandFX Folder

Cloud libraries

Database includes:

Project list

Project Managers

The data you can associate with blocks to make them “smart” blocks

LandFX folder includes:

Plant blocks

Irrigation blocks

Site blocks

Details

CTB files

Software files

Cloud libraries include:

Plant database

Irrigation Manufacturers database

Site Manufacturers database

Standard Land F/X Small-Office Setup (7:25):

Server:

Land F/X Server installed containing the Land F/X folder and Land F/X Database

We recommend Windows 10. Solid OS, robust, kinks seem to be worked out for now – make sure to stay current on your updates!

30:38 – 42:41: Hardware Recommendations

Dell Poweredge Series:

Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows networking made easy

Automated backups

$1,278.99

Mac Mini Server:

Mac OS

Setup takes longer

Ideal only for a Mac-centric office

$999.99

Cloud?

Even with cloud file solutions, we still recommend having a server.

Central file storage makes life easier.

Enterprise software needs

WD My Cloud Business Series

NAS only works with Land F/X Cloud Data

Pre-configured

4 bays

8 terabytes

Cloud access options

$699

Laptops (33:15):

Alienware 15

I5 Quad Core 3.2ghz

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB) RAM

256GB SSD + 1TB storage HDD

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB

$1,499

Dell XPS 15

i7Quad Core 2.6 – 3.5 ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (1x16GB) RAM

512GB SSD

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 2GB CPU

$1,699

Dell Precision 15 3000 Series

i7 Quad Core 2.6 – 3.5ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB RAM)

512GB M.2 Sata SSD

AMD FirePro W5130M 2GB GPU

$1,999

Dell Precision 15 5000 Series

i7 Quad Core 2.6 – 3.5ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB) RAM

500GB SSD

NVIDIA Quadro M1000M 2GB GPU

$2,219

Desktops (35:03):

Dell Optiplex 3046 Small Form Factor

i5 Quad Core 3.2 – 3.6ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB) RAM

256GB SSD

AMD R7 M445 4GB GPU

$973

Dell Precision 3620 Mini Tower

i5 Quad Core 3.3 – 3.9ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB) 2133mhz memory

256GB SSD

NVIDIA Quadro K1200 4GB GPU

$1,427

Dell Precision 3620 Mini Tower

I7 Quad Core 2.6 – 3.5ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (2x8GB) 2133mhz memory

512GB M.2 Sata SSD

NVIDIA Quadro K1200 4GB GPU

$1,768

Dell Precision 5000 Series Tower

i5 Quad Core 2.6 – 3.5ghz Turbo

Win 10 Pro

16GB (4x4GB) RAM

512GB SSD

NVIDIA Quadro M2000 4GB GPU

$2,260

Apple (36:45):

Keep in mind that Land F/X is Windows-only software and is not compatible with AutoCAD for Mac. However, you can definitely run Land F/X on Windows-based CAD installed on a Mac computer with the help of a program called Parallels.

Mac Mini Server

Intel Core Dual Core i5 2.8ghz

16GB RAM

2TB fusion drive

Mac El Capitan

$1,299

MacBook Pro 15”

Intel Core i7 2.6 Quad Core ghz

2GB GPU

256GB SSD hard drive

Mac El Capitan

$2,499

Apple iMac 27”

Intel Core Dual Core i5 3.1ghz

16GB RAM

2GB GPU

1TB SSD hard drive

Mac El Capitan

$1,799

Mac Additional Costs:

Parallels ($89)

Windows 10 Pro ($199)

Peripherals (38:09):

ioSafe Drive (On-Site Backup Drive)

Bolts to the floor

Fireproof

Waterproof

4TB

$399

Western Digital External (Off-Site Backup Drive)

2TB

USB 3.0

$89

Land F/X USB

4GB

Keep it on your keychain.

Add a “Read Me” file with your contact information.

FREE! (Contact us.)

PNY 128GB USB

128GB

USB 3.0

$25

Monitors (39:55):

LG 21.5” UltraFine 4K Monitor

4,096 x 2,304 resolution

$524

Dell 27” Ultra HD 4K Monitor

3,840 x 2,160 resolution

$999

Dell 27” Ultra HD 5K Monitor

5,120 x 2,880 Ultra HD resolution

$1,549

More Peripherals (40:42):

Logitech Performance Mouse MX

Programmable buttons for CAD work

Logitech Daedalus Gaming Mouse

Programmable buttons for CAD work

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Easy typing

Microsoft Sculpt

Ergonomic curve

Separate 10-key

Ergonomic “Sideways” mouse

Travel Much? (42:12)

Why maintain a desktop and a laptop? You’ll just end up with two cruddy computers! Instead, consider a powerful laptop and two monitors with an external keyboard and mouse.

42:42 – 46:48: Backup Concepts

Remember: Computers will fail (and usually at the most inconvenient time).

3-2-1 Backup Concept (43:38)

3 copies of your data

1 copy on external drive

1 copy in cloud backup

1 copy on off-site drive

2 Different formats

Backup drive

Cloud

1 Off-site

Monthly off-site in safe

Test!

Test your backups at least once a year to verify that your backup procedures are functional and your data is intact.

Our Technical Support Team(50:43)

Also, remember that our documentation is fully searchable for errors and issues you encounter when using Land F/X and AutoCAD. Go to our documentation page and type your search in the search box.

Question: Would the combination of a solid-state drive and a hard drive be slower than just a solid-state drive? (51:53)

Answer: Yes it would be, but it’s acceptable. A 500GB solid state and a 1, 2, or 3TB hard drive should be enough for your backup needs.

Question: If I’m a sole proprietor working from home, do I need a server? (53:15)

Answer: Not necessarily, but the priority is the ability to back up your data. A server can be a valuable component in your backup arsenal. Plus, if you have a server, it makes it much easier to transfer your files and data when you get a new computer, for example.

Question: Does it make sense to split your Land F/X data between a dedicated file server and separate dedicated data server? (55:34)

Answer: No, there’s no reason to do this. Some firms have a policy that forbids having a database on the file server, but it’s not an ideal setup. Keep in mind that the MySQL database component of Land F/X is extremely low-impact. It only takes up about 15MB of memory when idling and will not impact your file server.

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